About the Public Art Program

By placing artwork in our everyday environment, the Public Art Program sparks community participation in the building of our public spaces; offers public access to ideas generated by contemporary art; encourages citizens to take pride in public cultural expression; and creates a forum to address relevant themes and issues.

The benefits of public art are numerous. It has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking and transform the places where we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. Public art can make strangers talk, children ask questions and calm a hurried life. Beyond its enriching personal benefits, public art is a true symbol of a city’s maturity.

Program Resources Public Art PlansPublic Art Plans have been created through consultation with planners, art and design experts and members of the community. Their purpose is to assist City staff, private developers and communities to identify potential collaborations to larger projects within an area of Richmond or projects that span property and neighbourhood boundaries. For more information on the City's Public Art Plans, visit Public Art Plans.

Public Art Registry Browse the map and discover all the public art in your neighbourhood. You can also browse a list of the artworks or search by artist, year, area etc. Visit the Public Art Registry.

​Public Art Brochures
Use the Public Art Brochures to explore the a new area of the city or rediscover your own neighbourhood.

Walk Richmond and Public Art ToursRichmond Public Art and Walk Richmond have joined forces to promote healthy living and awareness of public art. Walk Richmond hosts a walking group with free group walks throughout the year. Public Art staff have supplied resources for Walk Richmond volunteers to speak to the Public Art on their walks.View Walk Richmond’s complete schedule of walks.

​What's NewFor information on What's New in public art, visit the What's Newwebpage.